At the Annual Royalton Township Appreciation Dinner this month, Don Kretchman will be honored for his fifty years of service with the Royalton Township Fire Department. A husband, father, grandfather, Chairman at his church, and fiercely loyal friend, Don is incredibly deserving of this recognition and celebration.
“Everyone who meets our dad, Don, feels like they are the most important person in the room. He has the ability to captivate your heart with his quiet, loving energy, and has spent his entire life giving that energy, his time, and his heart to our community.” Trish Gardini, daughter of Don Kretchman, describes her father with love, reverence, and devotion, as she lists his accomplishments and shares a little of his personal history.
Don joined the fire department on September 7th, 1971, and held the title of Assistant Chief for many years. Chief Jonatzke at the Royalton Township Fire Department says, “I have worked with Don for 35 years on the fire department, and he still continues to be a mentor to me. He has mentored all of our firefighters, making this the best fire department around. He is the highest quality of firefighter a chief or township could possibly ask for. It is a monumental achievement to spend the last fifty years leaving important family events, day or night, to come to the aid of others.”
Don Kretchman has lived in Royalton Township his entire life. From birth, marrying the love of his life, starting a business, and raising three children, Don is a community servant and pillar of strength and leadership. He and his wife, Terry (Zinkil), owned and operated the Wash Station Car Wash across from Lakeshore High School for many years, and have been longtime supporters of Lakeshore Athletics. All three children attended Lakeshore Schools, and he never missed a concert, game, or event.
This community is overflowing with feel-good stories and praise for Don. “Don would give anyone the shirt off of his back, and though his 6’4” stature is protective and commanding, he has the ability to put anyone at ease,” Trish says. Countless community members reminisce about Don offering comfort during a crisis, holding their hands during the chaos of an extraction after a car accident.
Physically and emotionally demanding, being a firefighter is not an easy task. Combining the desire to help others, dedication to the community, and the time and energy sacrificed for the safety of others, the duty of a firefighter deserves honor and praise. Don has given over 10,000 hours of firefighting, with many more to come. Congratulations to Don on his 50 Years of Service!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM contributor
